Floral folklore

Acorn

Said that carrying an acorn will ensure a long and healthy life. They are a symbol of security and abundance.

Abundance, Longevity

African Iris

The blossoms and leaves are associated with wisdom, trust, courage, and faith

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Wisdom, Valor

Almond Tree

for chinese tradtions it is associated with feminine beauty and fortitude in sorrow. In Christan tradtions, it symbolizes divine favor and the purity of the Virgin.

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Watchfulness, sweetness, delicacy

Amaranth

This ancient grain is a symbol of good luck as well as immortality of eternal life.

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Good Luck

Anemone

A symbol of mourning, but also love and sincerity.

Associated with Aphrodite in Greek mythology--the flowers sprang from the godess' tears as she mourned for Adonis.

death, forsaken love

Apple

Associated with immortality, temmptation, and the fall of man. It is also a symbol of beauty, sweetness, and hope.

Rich with historical symbolism, the first that comes to mind if the forbidden fruit of Adam and Eve.

Knowledge, wisdom, death

Ash Tree

Due to its hard wood, ash is a symbol of powerful solidity. It is a protective plant, and is said to ward again the fae.

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Protection, solidity

Bachellor's Buttons

In the victorian Era, these were worn on a single man's lapel--hence the name "bachellor's buttons"

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Love, availability

Basil

Said to bring money and stability. Can be used to improve mood.

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Money, purity, Exorcism

Birch

Said to have protective influences, the birch tree is associated with new beginnings.

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Rebirth, beginnings, new growth

Cactus

A generalization of all types of cacti, these tough plants are symbols of perseverance.

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Endurance, courage, power in the face of adversity

Canna Lily

The canna lily is associated with confidence, hope, and confiding in heaven.

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Beauty, glory, power

Cherry

Associated with immortality and divine beauty in many cultures.

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Fertility, feminine Beauty

Chives

Protection, similar to onion and garlic. In the Middle Ages, chives were used to chase away melancholy and break negative habits.

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Protection, Mood

Corn

A symbol of fertility and abundance.

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Sustenance and abundance

Crocus

Crocus is an ancient symbol of the sun, and are a reminder that excess is dangerous

In Metamorphoses, Crocus was a man who was accidentally slain by Hermes, who in order to mourn the death of his friend, turned his body into the crosu flower.

Cheerfulness, devotion

Cypress

A symbol or mourning in antiquity, because it fails to regenerate when cut back too much.

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Death, mourning

Daffodil

A type of narcissus, these spring flowers stand for hope and new beginnings.

See Narcissus

Joy, new beginnings

Daisy

Garden variety brings love when worn. Used in divination "He loves me, he loves me not" while plucking petals.

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New love

Dandelion

Grounding body and mind. Dispels a foul mood.

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Balance, Luck

Dead Nettle

This plant can gorw and thrive nearly anywhere, therefore it has come to bring to mind determination and tenacity.

in folklore, it is said that the fae took to hiding the centipede's shoes from him, so her decided to hide them first--under the leaves of deadnettle. If you look under the flowers, you'll find hundreds of tiny black dots, said to be Mr. Centipede's shoes.

Determination, cheerfulness

Dill

Used to manifest money and lust.

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Money, Lust, Protection

Echinacea

This plant has a long history of medicinal use in North America and Europe, therefore they are associated with health and healing.

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good health, healing

Eucalyptus

An evergreen tree, it is said to have protective qualities.

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Strength, protection, endurance

Ferns

Said to shelter Fae hiding spots. Throughout the Middle Ages, the seeds of the fern were thought to be invisible, and if you were lucky enough to find a fern "seed" it would grant the finder the power of invisibility as well. (Lore, Aaron Menke)

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Luck, Invisibility, Rain making

Fig

Figs were a traditonal prize in compitions in Ancient Greeks. They are associated with honor, success, and wisdom.

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Wisdom, success in abundance

Garlic

The blooms of the garlic plant are said to protect from the undead (vampires). Hang above door frames to protect those within.

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Banishment, Protection

Goldenrod

Also known as "Woundwart" and if you carry it around for a day, you'll find your true love

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Luck in finding things

Grass

Grass is a symbol of togetherness, as well as the ongoing cycle of nature.

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Generosity, togetherness

Heliotropes

Symbols of undying love, or salvation and devotion.

In Metamorphoses, heliotropes were originally a woman who fell in love with Helios, the sun god. When he did not return her affection, she was transformed into a flower that followed the sun's path in the sky every day.

Endless Love, devotion

Hibiscus

Traditionally used in attracting love and lust. Can be used as an aphrodisiac.

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Love, Lust

Hyacinth

Symbols of jealosy, forgiveness, and sincerity.

In Metamorphoses, Ovid describes a man name Hyacincthus who was transformed into the hyacinth flower by Apollo (Phoebus)

Forgiveness

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are associated with giving thanks, grace, and beauty.

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Gratitude, Grace

Iris

The name derived from the Greek goddess of rainbows, this flower symbolizes hope and resilience.

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Hope, Faithful

Juniper

When a sprig is placed outside the home, it protects those inside from those that would wish them harm; wards against witchcraft.

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Strength, Willpower, Banishing evil

Laurel

Worn on the head as a symbol of victory, the Greeks and Romans were very fond of this plant.

In Metamorphoses, Apollo attempts to catch the nymph Daphne, and to escape him, she transforms into a laurel tree

Triumph, wealth

Lavender

Deepens and enhances sleep and dream quality. Repels negativity and drives away fear.

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Dreams, Peace

Lilac

White lilacs represent innocence and purity, while purple represents spirituality.

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Tranquility, innocence, spirituality

Lily of the Valley

These tiny flowers represent sincerity, purity, and love. In France, the flowers are given as a gift to loved ones.

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Sincerity, purity

Lisianthus

This flower is a symbol of charm, charisma, and confidence.

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Charm, charisma

Magnolia

Symbolizes fidelity in love, said to strengthen loyalty and romance.

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Love, Loyaty, Fidelity

Maple

This tree symbolizes longevity, like most trees.

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Endurance

Milkweed

Associated with butterflies, this plant is a symbol for remembrance, dignity, and freedom.

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Dignity, freedom

Mint

Energizes, and promotes vitality.

In Ovid's Metamorphoses, Persephone, goddess of the underworld, found out about a nymph named Minthe's affair with Hades, and turned Minthe into a mint plant in a fit of jealosy.

Energy, Protection

Moly (mythological plant)

Scholars believe the moly given to Odysseus by Hermes in Homer's Odyssey is what we know today as a type of allium. In the epic, it protects the hero from witchcraft

Morning Glories

Used to banish bad habits

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Positive improvement

Mushrooms

Symbolizes a connection to the fae realm.

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Divination, Happiness

Narcissus

In the past, a narcissus was used as an a fortune teller--if you saw a narcisuss drooping, it was taken as an omen of death.

In Metamorphoses, Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection so deeply that he wastes away pining for it, turning into the narcissus flower when he dies.

Narcissism, hope

Oak

Associated with power, stabilty, and endurance.

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Justice, stability

Onion

Onions are associated with eternal life. They are symbols of protection and warding off evil.

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Healing

Orange Blossom

Orange blossoms have been associated with weddings ever since Queen Victoria of England was bedecked in the blooms on her wedding day to Prince Albert.

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Fertility, Innocence, purity

Oranges

Due to their status as an exotic fruit up until recent memory, oranges are a sybol of luxury and abundance.

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Fertility, luxury

Orchid

Associated with womanhood and grace.

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Femininity

Pansy

In Victorian flower language, pansies represented secret or forbidden love.

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Platonic and romantic love

Peace Lily

Peace lilies are often given as gifts to those who are mourning a recent loss as a reminder of tranquility.

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Peace, Sympathy

Peach

Peaches have long been considered a symbol of status. They are associated with sensuality and sex.

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Fertility, sensuality

Peony

Said to manifest riches and good fortune.

Associated with Zues or Jupiter

Prosperity, Beauty

Pine

Used for healing and protection, Removes negativity. A pine sprig above the door to the home to keep joy inside.

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Perseverance

Pine bark

Healing and protection.

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Protection

Pine cone

Said to enhance fertility. Used to symbolize everlasting life.

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Fertility, Luck

Pomegranate

Pommegranite trees are a symbol of fertility, while the fruit is a symbold of resurrection.

Associated with goddess Persephone in greek mythology

Fertility, eternal life, death

Poppy

Associated with sleep, dreams, and sacrifice.

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Remembrance, hope

Prickly Pear

A symbol of hope--like all cacti, they are a symbol of endurance.

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Hope, endurance

Pumpkin

Associated with the harvest, pumkins are a symbol of abundance. When carved into a jack'o'lantern, they are said to ward off evil spirits that roam our world when the veil is thin on Samhain (Halloween).

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Generosity, abundance

Pussywillow

The pussywillow is said to be a symbol of motherhood.

A Polish fable tells the tale of kittens playing too close to a riverside, falling in. When the mother cat cried for her kittens to be saved, a pussywillow rescued them from drowning. Now, each spring, according to the story, the pussywillows now have furry little buds where they rescued the kittens.

Motherhood, blessings

Queen Anne's Lace

Used to enhance fertility, love, and lust. Not to be confused with hemlock, which is very toxic and looks very similar.

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Love, Lust, fertility

Rose

Said to enhance female intuition, and increase love and good luck. Enhances natural beauty

Associated with Aphodite

Romance, Prophetic Dreams

Rosemary

Rosemary is often used to purify, and protect. Removes feelings of envy.

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Purification, Growth, Contentment

Rowan

Rowan is used in Celtic mythology to protect--especially from fire or lightning.

Protection

Saffron

Used as an aphrodisiac.

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Romance, lust

Strawberry

Due to their heart shape, the fruit has been associated with passion.

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Purity, passion

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are associated with loyalty and are known for being a "happy" flower.

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Loyalty, Adoration

Sweetgum Balls (Witch's Burrs)

Removing negativity, protection

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Protection

Sycamore Tree

Symbolizes strength, protection, and divinity

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Strength

Thistle

Drives away melancholy, protection.

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Protection, Purification

Thyme

Thyme enhances mental clarity, prevents nightmares, cleanses and purifies.

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Intelligence, Nightmare Prevention

Tulip

Tulips are a sumbol of deep love.

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Perfect love

Velvetleaf

Velvetleaf is a symbol of divine love as experienced by humans.

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Pure love

Viburnum

In ancient times, viburnum branches were used as arrow shafts. The blooms represent motherhood and girlhood.

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Pride

Violets

Violets are a symbol of inspiration, faith, and passion.

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Faith, mystical awareness

Walnut

Connection to the Fae, Keeping secrets, Resilience

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Resilience

Wheat

In ancient Greece, crowns of wheat were placed on the heads of brides and grooms to ensure fertility. Bundles of wheat are said to attract abundance.

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Fruitfulness, Bounty, Rebirth

Willow

Willow trees are symbolic of humankind's ability to recover from loss and hardship.

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Endurance, hardship, mourning

Yucca

Yucca is a symbol of new opportunitues, loyalty, and protection.

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New opportunities